We, as mayors, council members, and democratic local governance representatives united under the umbrella of the Socialist International, strongly condemn and reject;
• The arbitrary, undemocratic and unlawful interventions against democratically elected mayors and council members,
• The systematic disempowerment of municipal councils through appointed trustees, • The transformation of judicial institutions into instruments of political pressure on local governance.
Democracy is a system where the will of the people is respected at all levels. The rule of law must be independent, and governance must be shaped by participation and transparency. Local democracy is the cornerstone of social justice, civic engagement, and sustainable development.
In an environment where the law is suspended and the public will is disregarded:
• Political freedoms deteriorate,
• Economic stability is undermined,
• Social justice and peace suffer deeply.
It must be underlined that, any assault on democratic gains is never merely a domestic issue but a threat to universal democratic values.
We firmly believe that:
• There can be no peace without justice,
• No trust without the rule of law,
• No sustainable development without democratic legitimacy.
Therefore, as the Socialist International Network of Local Authorities, we publicly declare our firm commitment to protecting democratic values and the sovereignty of the people.
Based on all these considerations, we call out to all authorities of all states and underline that:
• Immediate reinstatement of all elected local officials is of utmost importance. • The practice of appointing unelected trustees is unacceptable.
• Decriminalization of those who demand democracy by exercising their very democratic rights is unacceptable. Independence of journalism and freedom of speech should be guaranteed.
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